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Development of a field-reversed configuration device using radio frequency antennas to produce E × B for current-drive

Part of: Open Magnetic Systems for Plasma Confinement

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 May 2024

Kiyong Lee Open the ORCID record for Kiyong Lee [Opens in a new window] ,
Soo Ouk Jang ,
Seungryul Yoo  and
Kyu Dong Lee Open the ORCID record for Kyu Dong Lee [Opens in a new window]
Kiyong Lee*
Affiliation:
Plasma Technology Research Institute, Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, Gunsan, 54004, KR
Soo Ouk Jang
Affiliation:
Plasma Technology Research Institute, Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, Gunsan, 54004, KR
Seungryul Yoo
Affiliation:
Plasma Technology Research Institute, Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, Gunsan, 54004, KR
Kyu Dong Lee
Affiliation:
Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, Daejeon, 34133, KR
*
† Email address for correspondence: kylee@kfe.re.kr
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Abstract

A unique field-reversed configuration (FRC) experiment is presently being assembled at the Plasma Technology Research Institute, KFE. It is a compact small-scale FRC device, which uses a set of radio frequency (RF) antennas to produce an internal E × B that drives the electrons for current-drive, in which E is the electric field and B is the magnetic field. This is very similar to the rotating magnetic field (RMF) current-drive, where the horizontal and vertical antennas are driven 90° out of phase. For this device, the RF antennas are arranged differently than the RMF. The RF antennas, being two separate sets, are positioned inside the vacuum chamber. Each set consists of 8 coils, for a total of 16 coils, where 80~100 kHz sine and cosine waveform currents are applied. One set of coils generates a radial B-field, while the other set provides an E-field in the z-direction. As the phase changes, the E and B fields are switched by these two sets. Nevertheless, E × B propagates in the same θ-direction so that this allows the electrons to rotate around the circumference of the device. The FRC device will test wave heating by launching 2.45 GHz microwaves. Also, passive stabilizers are positioned at each end to provide extra stability while preventing tilt instability. The experiment is expected to produce its first plasma in 2025.

Keywords

plasma devicesplasma confinement
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Plasma Physics , Volume 90 , Issue 3 , June 2024 , 975900302
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press

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